FAA Renews Helicopter Safety Data Collection Approval

2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility

The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.

2026-10047 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

The FAA wants all Airbus A330-841 and A330-941 airplanes to get regular checks for cracks on certain wing parts to keep flights safe. If cracks are found, fixes must be done right away. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, and these inspections might cost airlines some time and money but will help prevent bigger problems.

2026-10076 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines

The FAA wants to make sure Rolls-Royce Trent7000-72 and Trent7000-72C engines stay safe by stopping certain lubrication pumps from being installed unless they meet new rules. This comes after some engines shut down mid-flight because parts failed too soon. If you own or work with these engines, you’ll need to follow these new rules soon, but no big costs are expected.

2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)

The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.

2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements

The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.

2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook

The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.

Previous: 2026-06063 — Incorporating Voluntary Patient Preference Information Over the Total Product Life Cycle; Guidance for Industry, Food and Drug Administration Staff, and Other Interested Parties; Availability

The FDA just dropped new guidance to help drug and device makers include patient preferences when developing and reviewing medical products. This means patients’ voices will play a bigger role from early testing to final approval, making treatments more in tune with what people really want. Companies should start using this advice now to improve their products and speed up FDA decisions, potentially saving time and money.

Next: 2026-06068 — Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP)

The Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP) is holding a public meeting on May 21, 2026, to talk about ocean policy and research advice for the government. Anyone interested can join in person or online, share their thoughts, or send written comments by May 8. This meeting helps shape important ocean decisions with no cost to participants.